Protective case

ABSTRACT

A portable protective case for the safe transport and storage of measuring devices and other electrical equipment. The protective case is designed to protect a valuable and sensitive measuring device located inside it against theft, unauthorized use and/or potentially harmful environmental influences. The case comprises communication means for sending and receiving data via a wireless network, as well as for receiving localization data, which enable the communication unit to provide at least a rough location of the case.

The present invention relates to a portable protective case, inparticular, designed as a case for the safe transport and storage ofmeasuring devices and other electrical equipment. In particular, theprotective case according to the invention is designed to protect avaluable and sensitive measuring device located inside it against theft,unauthorized use and/or potentially harmful environmental influences.

BACKGROUND

Methods and systems for distance measuring are used in various fields ofapplication. Examples of this are extremely precise measurements ingeodetic applications, but also measuring tasks in the field of buildinginstallation or for industrial process control systems. For these taskseither stationary, portable or hand-held distance measuring devices areused, which perform an optical distance measurement at a selectedmeasuring point. A measuring device in the following will be understoodto cover electronic instruments, which are used in the context of thegeodetic, industrial or construction-related measurement. Thiscomprises, for example, devices for optical distance measurement or theacquisition of three-dimensional coordinates of remote objects, such astheodolites, tachymeters, total stations, laser trackers, laser scannersor hand-held distance measuring devices, but also other tools such asrotational lasers, pipe lasers or line lasers, or GNSS receiver units.

Such devices, in particular high-precision devices intended forprofessional applications, are both relatively expensive to procure andsensitive to harmful environmental conditions, such as humidity orextreme temperatures, and also to vibrations and impacts duringtransport. It is therefore desirable, to protect valuable measuringdevices effectively against unauthorized use, theft and damage.

Furthermore, it is desirable that these devices are used as efficientlyas possible. This means that in particular, unnecessary waiting times atthe location of use of the device should be avoided—e.g. such times inwhich the equipment must first be configured before use, whenusage-related or location-related data are loaded into the device, orwhen the device is being brought up to operating temperature.

SUMMARY

An object of some embodiments of the present invention is therefore toprovide an improved protective case for measuring equipment.

A further object of some embodiments is to provide such a protectivecase, which enables at least a rough positioning of the case.

A further object of some embodiments is to provide such a protectivecase and a method which prevent unauthorized use of the measuring devicelocated therein, or render it more difficult.

A further object of some embodiments is to provide such a protectivecase and a method which enable a measuring device located in theprotective case to be prepared for use.

A further object of some embodiments is to provide such a protectivecase and/or a system consisting of a plurality of such protective cases,which facilitates a completeness check of the measuring equipment to betransported.

At least one of these objects is achieved by the implementation of thecharacterizing features of the independent claims. Advantageousconfigurations of the invention can be found in the respective dependentclaims.

A first aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to aportable protective case for a measuring device (in short: protectivecase) for transporting an electrical measuring device. This case has anouter shell with inner casing that encloses an interior space, which isdesigned to accommodate the measuring device, wherein the interior spacehas at least one mounting and wherein the at least one mounting isspecially designed to accommodate a specific type of measuring devicewith known dimensions. In addition, the protective case has a handlewhich is designed to enable the protective case to be carried by a user,a locking mechanism, which is designed to enable the protective case tobe opened by a user, a communication unit integrated in the protectivecase, in particular in the shell or the cladding, and a power supplyunit having at least one rechargeable battery for supplying power to thecommunication unit.

According to of some embodiments the invention, the protective case hasverification means for verifying a presence and an identity of ameasuring device in the interior space. The communication unit isdesigned to retrieve data about the presence and identity of themeasuring device, to retrieve and send data over an external wirelessnetwork, in particular over a terrestrial or satellite-based mobilewireless network or a local area network, and to receive localizationdata that represent at least a rough position of the protective case.

In one embodiment the protective case according to the invention isdesigned to accommodate a specific measuring device or a specific typeof measuring device with known dimensions. Such a measuring device canbe designed in particular as one of the following:

-   -   a theodolite,    -   a total station,    -   a laser tracker,    -   a laser scanner,    -   a rotating laser,    -   a digital spirit level,    -   a portable distance measuring device,    -   a detection device,    -   a line laser or    -   a GNSS receiver unit.

Optionally, the protective case can have rollers or wheels that aredesigned to enable the case to be moved by a single user by pushing orpulling.

In particular the interior space can be filled with a carrier material,for example a foam or a plastic molding manufactured by blow molding,wherein the at least one mounting is a recess in the carrier materialwith a shape corresponding to the device.

To accommodate components of a disassembled measuring device theinterior space can optionally have a plurality of correspondinglydesigned mountings. Likewise, the interior space can additionally haveat least one mounting designed for holding a replacement part oraccessory of the measuring device.

According to a further embodiment, the verification means comprise acamera, a proximity sensor, a barcode scanner or an RFID reader, inorder to verify the presence of a measuring device to be accommodated(and/or the completeness of all parts to be accommodated) in theinterior space and/or to determine the identity of the measuring device.

According to a further embodiment, the protective case according to theinvention has means for generating a wireless data network in theinterior space, for example using Bluetooth or a WLAN signal.

The communication unit is designed to exchange data with the measuringdevice, e.g. over this wireless data network, in particular wherein thecommunication unit is designed to forward data retrieved via thewireless network to the measuring device and/or to send data received bythe measuring device.

According to a further embodiment the protective case according to theinvention has a display unit on its outer shell for displayinginformation about a measuring device located in the interior space, inparticular in the form of a touch-screen or an e-paper display, inparticular wherein the communication unit is designed to supply theinformation about the measuring device located in the interior space tothe display unit.

In one embodiment the power supply unit is additionally designed also tosupply power to the measuring device in the interior space by means of acable, by means of electrical contacts or by means of induction.

In particular, this supply unit has a rechargeable battery, a currentgenerator, a fuel cell, solar cells, or means for supplying externalpower (e.g. a connector for a power cable, induction coils or electricalcontacts).

The protective case can also have means for displaying a charge state ofthe device, or the communication unit can be designed for sendinginformation regarding the charge state of the measuring device, and/orthe supply unit.

Optionally, the supply unit can additionally initiate the charging ofthe internal accumulator of the measuring device to prepare the devicefor the next use. Devices that could be used for charging are, forexample, a rechargeable battery of the supply unit (as an emergencybuffer), a spare rechargeable battery of the measuring device located inthe case, which is connected to the case electronics, or an externalpower source, such as a vehicle on-board power supply.

If it is detected that the (total) charge state is at a critical levelwith due consideration of the planned usage, a warning can be output tothe user. After use, the case can indicate the charge state and/orrequire connection to an external power source.

In accordance with another embodiment the communication unit is designedto set up a connection to the internet, and to retrieve and send dataover the internet.

In one embodiment, the communication unit can set up a connection to acommunication unit of at least one other protective case for theexchange of data.

In one embodiment, for the exchange of data the communication unit canset up a connection to another measuring device, which does not have itsown protective case with a communication unit.

In accordance with another embodiment, the communication unit isdesigned to set up a connection to a means of transport, in particular avehicle, that accommodates the protective case. For example, data of anavigation system of the vehicle can be accessible, or a local areanetwork (e.g. WLAN or Bluetooth) of the vehicle can be used forcommunication via the internet.

According to a further embodiment the communication unit is designed toretrieve and/or to send the data automatically, in particular from or toan external server computer.

According to a further embodiment the communication unit is designed toretrieve the localization data over the wireless network.

According to a further embodiment, the protective case has a GNSSreceiver unit for determining the position of the case by means of aglobal satellite navigation system, wherein the communication unit isdesigned to receive the localization data from the GNSS receiver unit.

In one embodiment of the case according to the invention, thecommunication unit is designed to determine at least a rough position ofthe protective case, based on the retrieved data. The position of thecase can be determined in particular to an accuracy of at least threehundred meters, preferably to an accuracy of at least thirty meters.Optionally, the communication unit can be designed to create a movementprofile based on a plurality of derived positions of the protectivecase.

In a further embodiment of the protective case according to theinvention, the communication unit is designed, based on the identifiedposition of the protective case and a known usage location of themeasuring device, to determine, i.e. in particular, to calculate orestimate, a time remaining for the case to arrive at the usage location.The communication unit can preferably retrieve such data, from which theusage location can be determined.

The communication unit can also be designed to exchange data with themeasuring device and based on a calculated time remaining, toautomatically switch on the measuring device and/or to transmit usagelocation-related data to the measuring device.

In a further embodiment, in order to control a temperature of theinterior space and/or of the measuring device, the protective caseaccording to the invention has a temperature regulating unit with atemperature sensing unit and a heating and/or cooling function. Thecommunication unit in this embodiment is designed to send a command tothe temperature regulating unit based on a calculated time remaining,for the temperature of the interior space and/or of the measuring deviceto approach or to match an optimum operating temperature of themeasuring device.

Optionally, the protective case has a drying functionality for drying ameasuring device which is wet when inserted.

According to a further embodiment the communication unit of the case isdesigned to send a command to the locking mechanism of the case, basedon a calculated position of the case. The locking mechanism inaccordance with this embodiment is designed to prevent the protectivecase from being opened or allow it to be opened by a user in theintended manner, and/or to open the protective case automatically,depending on the command received by the communications unit. If openingis prevented, for example, a code entry by the user may be necessary inorder to open the case, or transport it to another location.

In one embodiment the communication unit of the case is designed to senda command to a measuring device located in the interior space, in orderto activate (or deactivate a previously set locking mode), in whichessential functions of the measuring device are not available, inparticular until the measuring device is enabled by means of anunlocking code.

According to a further embodiment of the protective case according tothe invention, data can be retrieved by the communication unit, fromwhich the existence or non-existence of a usage authorization for themeasuring device can be determined and the communication unit isdesigned to determine, based on the data, the existence or non-existenceof a usage authorization of the measuring device. These data can inparticular be retrieved from an external server over the internet.

The protective case can optionally have means that are designed todetect an attempt at opening the locking mechanism and to report it tothe communication unit.

In a further embodiment, the protective case has an automaticallyrunning anti-theft functionality, as part of which the communicationunit—in particular if a non-existence of a usage authorization for themeasuring device has been determined—is designed

-   -   to transmit a position of the case to an external server;    -   to send a command to a measuring device located in the interior        space in order to activate (or deactivate a pre-configured        locking mode), in which at least essential functions of the        measuring device are not available, in particular until the        measuring device is enabled by means of an unlocking code;    -   to send a command to the locking mechanism, and the locking        mechanism is designed to prevent opening of the protective case        by a user in the intended manner, depending on the command        received by the communication unit;    -   to send a command to an alarm unit of the case, and the alarm        unit is designed to emit a visual and/or audible warning signal,        depending on the command received by the communication unit;    -   to send a command to a self-destruction unit of the case, and        the self-destruction unit is designed to destroy or render a        measuring device, or essential parts of the same located in the        interior space permanently unusable, depending on the command        received by the communication unit, and/or    -   to send a command to a marking unit of the case, and the marking        unit is designed to visually mark (e.g. as stolen) a measuring        device located in the interior space, depending on the command        received by the communication unit.

The protective case can contain resources that are designed to detect animproper, in particular violent, opening of the case (such as breakingopen the locking mechanism or the outer shell).

Alternatively, in the event of a usage authorization based ontime-related, location-related, usage-related or personal information, acommand can also be sent to a measuring device located in the interiorspace (for example, license codes received from a server) to enable oneor more functions. Otherwise, the measuring device remains locked oronly partially functional.

In a further embodiment the protective case is equipped with additionalsensors for capturing and recording environmental factors, such ashumidity, temperature, vibration and shocks, which the communicationunit supplies on a regular basis or on request, or sends to a centralserver. This may, in particular, be used to determine improper transportand storage conditions, to warn of potential impairments of thefunctional state (calibration), or to use the information obtained inthe assessment of warranty cases.

A second aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates toa system of at least two protective cases according to the invention. Inthe protective cases of the system according to the invention, eachcommunication unit is designed to set up a connection to communicationunits of other protective cases and to exchange data, which at leastcontain information about measuring devices located in the interiorspace of the protective case. These data include, for example, at leastinformation about the presence and/or completeness and an identity ofthe measuring devices. The data are exchangeable in particular by meansof a WPAN or WLAN connection. Preferably, at least one firstcommunication unit can be designed to forward data retrieved via thewireless network to other communication units, and to send data receivedfrom other communication units via the wireless network.

A third aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relate to amethod for preparing a measuring device for use at a known locationduring transport of the measuring device in an interior space of a case.In this case the case is a measuring device protective case according tothe first aspect of the invention. The method comprises

-   -   a retrieval of localization data that provide at least a rough        localizability,    -   a calculation of at least a rough position of the measuring        device based on the localization data, and    -   a calculation of a time remaining until arrival at the usage        location, based on the identified position and the known usage        location.

At the same time, based on the calculated time remaining, the measuringdevice is switched on, in particular wherein usage location-related dataare transmitted to the measuring device. As an alternative, based on theidentified remaining time, a rechargeable battery of the measuringdevice is charged. Alternatively or in addition, based on the calculatedtime remaining, a temperature of the interior space and/or of themeasuring device is approximated or matched to an optimal operatingtemperature of the measuring device.

A fourth aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relate to amethod for preventing unauthorized use of a measuring device located ina case, in particular a portable protective case according to the firstaspect of the invention. The method comprises retrieval of data via awireless network and determination based on the data whether alocation-related, time-related or individual-related authorizationexists for the measuring device. If this authorization does not exist,the protective case is prevented from opening in the intended mannerand/or essential functions of the measuring device are disabled, whereinthese are not available, for example, until they are enabled by means ofan unlocking code.

In one embodiment this method has an automatically running anti-theftfunctionality, as part of which

-   -   a position is determined based on the data and the position is        sent to an external server;    -   a visual and/or audible warning signal is emitted;    -   the measuring device is visually marked; and/or    -   the measuring device is rendered unusable, in particular by the        fact that essential functions of the measuring device are        disabled, wherein these are not available in particular until        they are enabled by means of an unlocking code, or are        permanently destroyed.

Optionally, an improper, in particular violent, opening of the case canbe detectable, wherein the anti-theft functionality is triggeredautomatically upon detection of an improper opening of the case.

A further aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relate toa portable protective case for the transport of an electrical device,wherein the protective case has an outer shell with internal claddingthat encloses an interior space which is designed to accommodate thedevice, wherein the interior space has at least one mounting and whereinthe at least one mounting is specially designed to accommodate aspecific type of measuring device with known dimensions. The protectivecase has a communication unit, integrated in particular in the shell orthe cladding of the protective case, and a power supply unit forsupplying power to the communication unit. According to the invention,means are provided for generating a wireless data network in theinterior space, and verification means for verifying a presence of thedevice in the interior space and/or an identity of the device, which aredesigned to send data about the presence and/or identity of the deviceto the communication unit, and a display unit for displaying informationabout a device located in the interior space on the outer shell areprovided, wherein the communication unit is designed to exchange datawith the device located in the interior space via the wireless datanetwork and to supply the information about the device to the displayunit.

In particular, the device can be designed as an electrical measuringdevice, e.g. as

-   -   a theodolite,    -   a tachymeter,    -   a total station,    -   a laser tracker,    -   a laser scanner or    -   a hand-held distance measuring device.

The device that is transported can also in particular be any otherdevice used in geodetic, industrial or surveying applications, inparticular a rotating laser, a pipe laser or a line laser.

In one embodiment of the protective case the wireless data network isgenerated using Bluetooth or a WLAN signal.

According to a further embodiment, the protective case has ahuman-machine interface on its outer shell, in particular wherein thedisplay unit and the interface are implemented as a touch-screen.

According to a further embodiment the display unit is designed in theform of an e-paper display.

A further embodiment of the protective case is characterized in that theinformation about the device located in the interior space comprises atleast the following:

-   -   a state of charge of a battery of the device,    -   a configuration of the device, or    -   information about a rental agreement of the device, in        particular about a hirer, owner and/or return date.

In one embodiment of the protective case, the verification meanscomprise at least one camera, a proximity sensor, a barcode scanner oran RFID reader.

According to a further embodiment the verification means are designed toverify the presence and/or the identity of the device by means of thewireless data network.

According to a further embodiment the communication unit is designed

-   -   to retrieve and send data over a wireless network, in particular        over a terrestrial or satellite-based mobile wireless network or        a local area network, and    -   to forward data retrieved over the wireless network to the        device and/or to send data received from the device.

According to a further embodiment the communication unit is designed

-   -   to maintain a connection to at least one device, which is not        located in the interior space of the protective case;    -   to maintain a connection to a communication unit of at least one        other protective case; and/or    -   to maintain a connection to a means of transport, in particular        a vehicle, that accommodates the protective case.

According to a further embodiment, the communication unit is designed toreceive localization data that represent at least a rough position ofthe protective case. In particular, the communication unit is designedto retrieve the localization data over the wireless network or usingGNSS, and/or to create a motion profile based on a plurality of derivedpositions of the protective case. In particular, the position of theprotective case can be determined to an accuracy of at least threehundred meters, preferably to an accuracy of at least thirty meters.

According to a further embodiment the power supply unit is additionallydesigned to supply power to the device in the interior space by means ofa cable, by means of electrical contacts or by means of induction.

According to a further embodiment, the power supply unit has at leastone rechargeable battery, a current generator, a fuel cell, solar cellsor means for supplying external power, in particular a connector for apower cable, induction coils or electrical contacts.

According to a further embodiment, the protective case has a handle,which is designed to enable the protective case to be carried by a user,and/or a locking mechanism, which is designed to enable the protectivecase to be opened by a user in the intended manner.

According to a further embodiment of the protective case, the interiorspace is filled with a carrier material, in particular a foam or aplastic molding manufactured by blow molding, and the at least onemounting is a recess in the carrier material with a shape correspondingto the device.

According to a further embodiment of the protective case, the at leastone mounting is designed for accommodating components of a disassembledunit and/or a replacement part or accessory of the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The measuring device protective case according to the invention and theprotection methods are described below on the basis of specificexemplary embodiments shown schematically in the drawings purely asexamples, wherein further advantages of the invention will also bediscussed. Individually, they show:

FIG. 1 a total station as an example of a measuring device which istransportable in a protective case according to the invention;

FIG. 2a-b an exemplary embodiment of a protective case according to theinvention in the open state for receiving the total station of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 a communication of a communication unit of the protective casewith an external server over the internet;

FIG. 4 a communication of the communication unit with other componentsof the protective case and with the transported measuring device;

FIG. 5 a flow chart for illustrating a method for automatic preparationfor use of a measuring device being transported by the protective case;

FIG. 6 a flowchart for illustrating a method for location-dependentprevention of the removal of the transported measuring device; and

FIG. 7 a flowchart for illustrating a method for protecting thetransported measuring device against theft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a suitcase 10 as a protective case according to theinvention for transporting a measuring device. The measuring device tobe transported is shown here as a total station 40, purely as anexample. This can be decomposed into an upper part 41 and a tripod unit42.

FIGS. 2a and 2b show an exemplary embodiment of the protective casedesigned as a suitcase 10. FIG. 2a shows an unfolded empty suitcase 10,and FIG. 2b shows the same case with components and accessories of atotal station 41-43, including a display unit 41 a, inserted.

The protective case 10 according to the invention has a lockingmechanism 13, by means of which the protective case can be closed. Forexample, the locking mechanism 13 can be to open and close by means ofkeys, or have a mechanical or electronic combination lock or else afingerprint scanner. But other types of locking mechanism are alsopossible in general. According to the invention, the case 10 also has acommunication unit 20, which is designed for establishing acommunication connection via a wireless network. To this end thecommunication unit has, for example, a SIM card and a mobile wirelessantenna. Alternatively or additionally, a connection can be establishedusing a local area network, such as WLAN. Optionally, the communicationunit 20 can additionally have a GNSS receiver unit for determining theposition of the case using a global satellite navigation system (e.g.GPS).

As shown in FIG. 2a purely as an example, the protective case 10 can bedesigned as a suitcase, whose two halves can be folded out by means of ahinge 14 to open the suitcase. The suitcase has a shell 11, which ispreferably robust and water-resistant and which completely encloses aninterior space 12 of the suitcase. In the interior space 12, mountingsare provided for accommodating the measuring device and/or itscomponents and accessories and/or spare parts and preferably fixing themin place. In the example shown here, these mountings are embodied asrecesses 15-17, 15′-17′ in a soft but dimensionally stable foam, whichsubstantially fills the entire interior space 12. Alternatively, theinterior space can also be given an appropriate shape by blow molding(e.g. extrusion or stretch blow molding).

The recesses 15-17, 15′-17′ are located in both halves of the suitcaseand are shaped to correspond to the components and parts of themeasuring device to be transported. In addition, the suitcase has abattery or a rechargeable battery 21 for supplying power to thecommunication unit 20. The communication unit 20 is fitted in theinterior space 12 in such a way and the sleeve 11 is designed in such away as to enable a communication of the communication unit 20 via anexternal wireless network. In particular, it is possible to integrate anantenna of the communication unit 20 into the shell 11 for this purpose.

In FIG. 2b an upper part 41 and a tripod unit 42 of the total station 40of FIG. 1 are inserted into two of the recesses 15, 16 of the first halfof the suitcase. The third recess 17 has accommodated a rechargeablebattery 43 as an accessory of the total station. The recesses 15′-17′ ofthe second half of the suitcase accommodate the protruding parts of thetotal station components 41-43 when closing the case 10.

In order to extend the lifetime of the rechargeable battery 43,different means of energy harvesting are preferably available. Also, thecommunication unit can have energy-saving operating modes, such as aperiodic operation with regular inactivity phases (sleep cycles).

Preferably, the case can have a connector for an external power supply(not shown here). This can be either a simple connector for a powercable, or else specially designed contacts or induction coils, whichalso have specially designed counterparts, which make the chargingprocess particularly easy for a user. These pieces can be fitted in avehicle, for example, which is transporting the cases or be part of theshelves in which the cases are stored when they are not needed, so thatthe devices are always ready for use without the need to remove from thecase.

The rechargeable battery 43 can also be used for supplying power to thetransported measuring device 40. In particular, the battery of thedevice can be charged during transport. For this purpose, the case canhave means for supplying power to the measuring device 40 in theinterior space. These can include a suitable cable that is plugged intothe measuring device 40 by the user, or electrical contacts located inthe corresponding recesses, which during the insertion of the device 40automatically come into contact with corresponding contacts of thedevice 40, so that a current can flow. In the same way an induction coilcan be provided, by means of which electrical energy can be transferredinto a measuring device placed in the protective case.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of communication of the communication unit20 of the protective case 10 via the external wireless network. In theexample shown this is a mobile wireless network, and the communicationunit 20 has a SIM card in order to be able to exchange data over thewireless network. Via mobile phone masts 31 a connection can beestablished to a terrestrial mobile wireless network, or via satellites32 to a satellite-based network. In particular, data can be exchangedwith an external server computer 35 over the internet 30. Due to theconnection to the wireless network a rough real-time localization of thecase is possible, for example via GSM positioning.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an internal communication of thecommunication unit 20 of the protective case 10. In addition to theexternal communication facility illustrated in FIG. 3 the communicationunit 20 can preferably also have an internal communication facility.Thus, the communication unit 20 can communicate on the one hand withother units of the protective case 10 and on the other, via an internalradio network—for example via WLAN or Bluetooth—with a measuring device40 which is transported in the interior space of the case. Examples ofother units of the protective case 10 shown here are a temperatureregulating unit 18 and an alarm unit 19.

The temperature regulating unit 18 has on the one hand, a temperaturesensor, which is designed to detect a temperature of the interior space12; preferably it can be mounted in such a way that it can detect atemperature of the measuring device 40. Optionally, a second temperaturesensor can detect an outside temperature. On the other hand, thetemperature regulating unit 18 has a heating and/or cooling function inorder to increase or decrease the temperature of the interior space 12or the measuring device 40. For example, the temperature can be kept ina certain range during the entire transport, in order to prevent damageto the measuring device 40, or the measuring device 40 can already beset to an optimal operating temperature before use, in order to reducewear and/or maintenance times.

Alternatively or in addition to this temperature regulating unit 18, adrying unit can also be provided, which can dry a wet measuring devicewhich is packed in the protective case after use (e.g. after use in wetweather). For this purpose, the drying unit can be designed, forexample, as part of the temperature regulating unit 18, and by means ofa heating function and ventilation can discharge the moisture from theinterior space of the case to the environment. As an alternative, otherdrying options can be considered, such as condensation drying orgranulate drying.

The alarm unit 19 can have, for example, lamps or loudspeakers, to issueoptical or audible warning signals as required.

The communication unit 20 can receive data via the external wirelessconnection, for instance via the internet 30, and forward this to themeasuring device 40 via the internal network. Thus, the communicationunit can retrieve, for example, usage-related or location-related dataand provide it to the device before use, so that this data is availableat the usage site directly after the removal of the measuring device 40from the case 10. Conversely, data of the measuring device 40 (e.g.distances or 3D coordinates recorded during a previous usage) can betransmitted via the internal wireless network to the communication unit20 and forwarded from this to an external server over the internet 30.

According to the invention the communication unit 20 is able to retrievesuch data over the wireless network, by means of which at least a roughlocalization of the case is possible.

As a result, it is possible, for example, to determine whether the case10 is approaching a previously defined usage site of the measuringdevice 40, and a predicted time of arrival at the usage site can beestimated or calculated. Based on this, the communication unit 20 can,for example, issue a command to the temperature regulating unit 18, towarm up the measuring device 40 to an optimal operating temperature, orto turn on the device or transfer usage- or location-related data to thedevice.

In addition, the communication unit 20 can retrieve license data of thedevice from the measuring device 40 itself or from an external servervia the internet 30, which shows in which countries or regions thetransported device is allowed to be used (“geofencing”). Based on theretrieved localization data, the communication unit 20 can identifywhether the measuring device 40 may be used at the current location. Ifthis is not the case, the communication unit 20 can, for example, issuea command to the locking unit to prevent opening by a user, and acommand to the alarm unit 19 to trigger an alarm upon an openingattempt, or else inform the user of the reasons for the inability toopen the case 10.

Alternatively, the communication unit 20 can, for example, send acommand to the measuring device 40 not to function until an unlockingcode is entered. The unlocking code can also be entered on the case, inorder to be able to open it. Alternatively, information about theremoval of the device 40 can be sent automatically by the communicationunit 20 to the external server, which then automatically collects a feefrom a user account.

Preferably, the case 10 has means for detecting the measuring deviceand/or its accessories located in the interior space. These means can beor comprise, for example, RFID readers. A completeness check can thusalso be advantageously performed fully automatically. For example, priorto a surveying assignment it is possible to check with this whether allthe required parts are present, or after completion of the assignment,whether all parts were stowed in the correct case again. In addition, inthe case of a dispatch from the factory a final contactless inspectioncan take place, as to whether the delivery package is correct.

The central recording of the inventory and its whereabouts and conditionis an important benefit, especially for fleet management of rentalcompanies and larger service providers or construction companies. Thisinformation can also be used for a simplified billing procedure (“payper use”).

Preferably, means of displaying information (not shown here) areattached to the outer shell of the protective case 10. These maycomprise, for example, a touch-screen or a power-saving e-paper display.The information displayed thereon can relate, in particular, to thecontents of the case or to condition parameters or configurations of thedevices or accessories that it contains. In addition, a charging stateof a battery of the case and/or the measuring device, or otherinformation about the hirer and owner, order ID, return date or similarcan be displayed.

Likewise, a human-machine interface can preferably be provided which canbe designed, for example, as a touch screen. This interface can bemounted both on the outer shell as well as in the interior space.

Diagnostic information—for example, data recorded by environmentalsensors or information about an operating time of the measuringdevice—can be sent to a central server and thus promote a centrallyoptimized maintenance and repair planning operation. Remote diagnosisand/or maintenance of the measuring device are also possible.

Optionally, a plurality of cases 10 can communicate with each other.Such a system of protective cases can be used, for example, to checkautomatically whether all the devices needed for a surveying assignmentare on board before departure, or after completion of the surveyingassignment whether all devices used are reloaded, without the need toopen the case. For example, one of the cases can serve as a master,whose communication unit is provided—for example over the wirelessnetwork—with a list of the parts to be transported and which thencompares this list with the individual completeness and identity checksof the cases and communicates the result—e.g., again via the wirelessnetwork—to a user.

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram to illustrate an exemplary embodiment of amethod 100 for preparing a measuring device for use at a known locationduring transport of the measuring device 40 in an interior space 12 of acase 10.

In accordance with the method 100 illustrated, data are retrieved via awireless network 110, which provide, inter alia, a rough localizabilityof the measuring device and/or of the case (localization data).Alternatively, these data can also be accessible via a GNSS receivermodule. Based on the retrieved data at least a rough position iscontinuously determined 120. In addition, a usage location of themeasuring device is determined 130, for example also from the retrieveddata or by a user entry. Based on the identified position and the knownusage location, the time remaining until arrival at the usage locationis estimated 140. Depending on a known required preparation time, a timeis determined 150 at which the preparation of the device is to bestarted. At the same time, (e.g. from the retrieved data) a current timeof day can be continuously calculated 160. If it is detected 170 thatthe time to prepare the device has arrived, the measuring device isprepared for its use 180, in particular fully automatically. Asdescribed above, for example, the measuring device can be switched on,and usage- or location-related data can be transmitted to the measuringdevice. Alternatively or additionally, the preparation can includecharging a rechargeable battery of the measuring device or approximatingor matching the temperature in the interior space of the case to a knownoptimal operating temperature of the measuring device.

FIGS. 6 and 7 each show a flowchart to illustrate two embodiments of amethod 200 for preventing an unauthorized removal of a measuring devicefrom a protective case.

In FIG. 6, a first embodiment 200 a is illustrated. According to thisembodiment of the method, data are retrieved via a wireless network 210,which provide, inter alia, a rough localizability of the measuringdevice and/or of the case. Based on the retrieved data at least a roughposition is continuously determined 220. As already explained above, itis then determined 240 based on the data whether or not a userauthorization exists for the measuring device located in the protectivecase at the present location, i.e. whether the use is permitted.

If this is the case, the user is allowed to open the case and thus toremove the measuring device 250. If this is not the case, on the otherhand, the opening is prevented 260.

In FIG. 7, a second embodiment 200 b is illustrated. In addition to thefirst embodiment this has an anti-theft protection functionality 300.According to this embodiment of the method, data are retrieved 210 via awireless network. Based on these data it can be determined 230 whetheror not the user currently has authorization to use the measuring device,in other words, for example, whether the equipment is being used legallyor has been reported stolen. Based on the data it is determined 240whether or not the user has authorization to use the measuring devicelocated in the case at the present time, i.e. whether its use ispermitted. If this is the case, the user is allowed to open the case andthus to remove the measuring device 250.

If this is not the case, on the other hand the opening is prevented 260.In addition, as part of the anti-theft protection functionality 300,further measures 310 are automatically taken. These measures mayinclude, for example, the determination 320 of a position and thetransmission of this position over the wireless network to an externalserver. A recording 340 of audio and image data 350 can also beperformed to identify the illegitimate owner, followed by thetransmission of this audio and image data over the wireless network tothe external server. These measures may be carried out both continuouslyand immediately after a theft has been detected. On the other hand,monitoring 360 for opening attempts can be carried out, which triggersthese measures. A detected opening attempt can also trigger an alarm370, as already described above. In particular, if it is detected 380that a successful opening attempt has been made, or is imminent, thenthe content or substantial parts of the measuring device can also bedestroyed or rendered unusable 390—for example, mechanically, thermallyor electrically. Alternatively, the equipment can be marked as stolen,for example with an eye-catching color. Also, a command can betransmitted to the device by the communication unit to lapse into atheft or locked mode, in which essential functions of the measuringdevice are out of service. To make the device operational again, anunlocking code may then be necessary, for example.

It goes without saying that these figures shown only represent possibleexemplary embodiments in a schematic way. The different approaches canalso be combined equally well with each other as with methods anddevices from the prior art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable protective case for transporting anelectrical measuring device, the portable protective case comprising: anouter shell with internal cladding which encloses an interior spaceconfigured to accommodate the electrical measuring device, wherein theinterior space has at least one mounting configured to accommodate aspecific type of measuring device with known dimensions; a handleconfigured to enable the protective case to be carried by a user; alocking mechanism configured to enable the protective case to be openedby the user; a communication unit integrated into the protective case; apower supply unit having at least one accumulator for supplying power tothe communication unit; and a verification means for verifying apresence and an identity of the electrical measuring device in theinterior space, wherein the communication unit is configured to:retrieve data about the presence and identity of the electricalmeasuring device, retrieve and send data via an external wirelessnetwork, and receive localization data that provides at least anapproximate position of the protective case.
 2. The portable protectivecase as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interior is filled with acarrier material and the at least one mounting is a recess in thecarrier material with a shape corresponding to the electrical measuringdevice.
 3. The portable protective case as claimed in claim 1, wherein:the at least one mounting is configured for accommodating components ofthe electrical measuring device when the electrical measuring device isdisassembled, or the at least one mounting is configured foraccommodating a spare part or accessory of the electrical measuringdevice.
 4. The portable protective case as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe communication unit is configured to exchange data with theelectrical measuring device, the communication unit being configured toforward data retrieved via the wireless network to the electricalmeasuring device and/or to send data received by the electricalmeasuring device via the wireless network.
 5. The portable protectivecase as claimed in claim 1, wherein the verification means comprise atleast one camera, a proximity sensor, a barcode scanner or an RFIDreader.
 6. The portable protective case as claimed in claim 1, wherein:the verification means comprise means for generating a wireless datanetwork in the interior space, and the communication unit is configuredto exchange data with the measuring device via the wireless datanetwork.
 7. The portable protective case as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising: a display unit for displaying information concerning theelectrical measuring device located inside the interior space on theouter shell, wherein the communication unit is configured to supply theinformation about the measuring device located in the interior space tothe display unit.
 8. The portable protective case as claimed in claim 1,wherein the power supply unit is configured to additionally supply powerto the electrical measuring device in the interior space by means of acable, by means of electrical contacts or by means of induction.
 9. Theportable protective case as claimed in claim 1, wherein thecommunication unit is designed to set up a connection to the internetand to retrieve and send data over the Internet.
 10. The portableprotective case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication unit isfurther configured to: maintain a connection to the at least oneelectrical measuring device, which is not located in the interior spaceof the protective case, maintain a connection to a communication unit ofat least one other protective case, and establish a connection to ameans of transport that accommodates the protective case.
 11. Theportable protective case as claimed in claim 1, wherein thecommunication unit is configured to retrieve the localization data viathe wireless network.
 12. The portable protective case as claimed inclaim 1, comprising a GNSS receiver unit configured for determining theposition of the case by means of a global navigation satellite system,wherein the communication unit is designed to receive the localizationdata from the GNSS receiver unit.
 13. The portable protective case asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the position of the protective case isdetermined to an accuracy of at least three hundred meters.
 14. Theportable protective case as claimed in claim 1, wherein thecommunication unit is configured to send a command to the lockingmechanism based on an identified position of the protective case,wherein, depending on the sent command, the locking mechanism isconfigured to prevent opening of the protective case by a user, enableopening of the protective case by a user, and unlock or open theprotective case automatically.
 15. The portable protective case asclaimed in claim 14, wherein the locking mechanism is configured toprevent opening of the protective case by the user until the lockingmechanism is unlocked by entering of a code.
 16. The portable protectivecase as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication unit is configuredto send a command to a measuring device located in the interior spacebased on an identified position of the protective case, the commandactivating or deactivating a locked mode in which essential functions ofthe measuring device are not available.
 17. The portable protective caseas claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication unit is configured: toretrieve data from an external server over the internet, from which dataan existence or non-existence of a usage authorization for the measuringdevice can be determined, and to determine, based on said data, anexistence or non-existence of the usage authorization, wherein theportable protective case is configured to automatically perform ananti-theft functionality, if the non-existence of the usageauthorization for the measuring device has been determined.
 18. Theportable protective case as claimed in claim 17, wherein in the contextof the anti-theft functionality, the communication unit is configured toautomatically transmit a position of the protective case to an externalserver.
 19. The portable protective case as claimed in claim 17, whereinin the context of the anti-theft functionality, the communication unitis configured to automatically send a command to the locking mechanism,wherein, depending on the command received by the communication unit,the locking mechanism is configured to prevent opening of the protectivecase by a user.
 20. The portable protective case as claimed in claim 17,wherein in the context of the anti-theft functionality, thecommunication unit is configured to automatically send a command to ameasuring device located in the interior space in order to activate ordeactivate a locked mode, in which essential functions of the measuringdevice are not available.
 21. The portable protective case as claimed inclaim 17, wherein in the context of the anti-theft functionality, thecommunication unit is configured to automatically send a command to analarm unit of the protective case, wherein, depending on the commandreceived by the communication unit, the alarm unit is configured to emita visual and/or audible warning signal.
 22. The portable protective caseas claimed in claim 17, wherein in the context of the anti-theftfunctionality, the communication unit is configured to automaticallysend a command to a self-destruction unit of the protective case,wherein, depending on the command received by the communication unit,the self-destruction unit is configured to render a measuring devicelocated in the interior space unusable.
 23. The portable protective caseas claimed in claim 17, wherein in the context of the anti-theftfunctionality, the communication unit is configured to automaticallysend a command to a marking unit of the protective case, wherein,depending on the command received by the communication unit, the markingunit is configured to visually mark a measuring device located in theinterior space.
 24. The portable protective case as claimed in claim 1,comprising a sensor configured to detect an attempt to open the lockingmechanism and to report it to the communication unit.
 25. The portableprotective case as claimed in claim 1, comprising a sensor configured todetect a violent opening of the protective case and to report it to thecommunication unit.
 26. A system comprising: a calculation unit, and atleast two protective cases for transporting an electrical measuringdevice, each portable protective case comprising: an outer shell withinternal cladding which encloses an interior space configured toaccommodate the electrical measuring device, wherein the interior spacehas at least one mounting configured to accommodate a specific type ofmeasuring device with known dimensions; a handle configured to enablethe protective case to be carried by a user; a locking mechanismconfigured to enable the protective case to be opened by the user; acommunication unit integrated into the protective case; a power supplyunit having at least one accumulator for supplying power to thecommunication unit; and a verification means for verifying a presenceand an identity of the electrical measuring device in the interiorspace, wherein the communication unit is configured to: retrieve dataabout the presence and identity of the electrical measuring device,retrieve and send data via an external wireless network, and receivelocalization data that provides at least an approximate position of theprotective case, wherein the communication units of the protective casesand the computing unit are configured to exchange data via the wirelessnetwork, wherein the computing unit is designed to create thelocalization data and supply them to the communication units, whereinthe communication unit of each protective case is configured toestablish a connection to and exchange data with the communication unitof at least one other protective case of the system, the exchanged datacomprising information about measuring devices located in the interiorspace of the protective cases.
 27. A portable protective case fortransporting an electrical device, the portable protective casecomprising: an outer shell with internal cladding which encloses aninterior space configured to accommodate the device, wherein theinterior space has at least one mounting configured to accommodate aspecific type of device with known dimensions, a communication unitintegrated into the protective case, a power supply unit for supplyingpower to the communication unit, a wireless data unit configured togenerate a wireless data network in the interior space, verificationmeans for verifying a presence and identity of the device in theinterior space, wherein the verification means is configured to senddata about the presence and identity of the device to the communicationunit, and a display unit for displaying information about a devicelocated in the interior space on the outer shell, wherein thecommunication unit is configured to exchange data with the devicelocated in the interior space via the wireless data network, and tosupply the information about the device to the display unit.
 28. Theportable protective case as claimed in claim 27, wherein the displayunit is implemented as a touch-screen comprising a human-machineinterface.
 29. The portable protective case as claimed in claim 27,wherein the information about the device in the interior space comprisesat least one of: a state of charge of a battery of the device, and aconfiguration of the device.
 30. The portable protective case as claimedin claim 27, wherein the information about the device in the interiorspace comprises information about at least one of a rental agreement, ahirer, an owner and a return date of the device.